P. Graham Dunn has announced a new pricing structure for independent stores.

Rolled out at the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market in Atlanta, Jan. 6-13, the initiative is "our economic stimulus plan," said Peter Dunn, company president.

Because of improved manufacturing processes, he said, it had become possible to offer independents up to 65% gross margin on qualifying orders. "We wanted to see what we can do to empower them with the same kind of margins that the chains have worked with for years."

Dunn said that the company's personalization center-which can now add individual wording to some of its wall decor as well as pens and other personal items-was a popular draw at the AmericasMart exhibition. "We have written a lot of contracts for them," he said, adding that there were plans to add more than 250 additional contracts to the 130 already written in both general market and Christian stores.

Other Christian-market gift suppliers displaying at the show included:

• Nicole Brayden Gifts & Divinity Boutique. New lines included leather Bible covers-available in 10 colors-retailing for just $19.99 and Vera Bradley-style quilted Bible covers, bags, stationery and frames.

• Bob Siemon Designs: a new line of shield key rings and epoxy pendants. The jeweler also spotlighted its Rockin' Doggie division's accessories for pets and their owners, including tags, leather collars, leashes, harnesses and accessory bags.

• Kerusso: 14 new T-shirt designs, mini flashlights and four designs of guitar straps retailing for $16.99 each. The company also announced its new Light House 10, a modification of its popular Light House Apparel Center that can also accommodate jewelry displays.

• Slingshot Publishing reported healthy interest in its new Clean Hands, Pure Heart sanitizers. Available in four colors and three sizes, priced from $2.99 through $5.99 retail, the bottles bear a reference to Ps. 24.

• African American Expressions presented DG Natural Essentials, a new all-natural skincare line, including body lotions, butters, foot cream and lip balms. Promoted as the "Fragrance of Life, II Cor. 2:15," the line also includes scented candles, with retail prices from $3.50 to $20.

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